A tense scene unfolded Wednesday evening in Chicago’s South Loop, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted a controversial enforcement operation near 22nd Street and Michigan Avenue. Protesters and public officials quickly arrived at the scene as ICE agents detained several individuals, drawing sharp criticism from local leaders and immigrant rights groups. While the exact number of detainees is still being confirmed, witnesses reported that multiple people were taken into federal custody, many of whom were participating in ICE's Alternatives to Detention program and had received what they believed were routine check-in notifications.
According to ICE, those detained had been issued final orders of removal by immigration judges but had failed to comply. The agency stated that these individuals were subject to enforcement due to legal rulings against them, adding that routine case reviews conducted as part of the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program may impact ongoing placement in such programs. However, family members of those detained said their loved ones had received text messages requesting them to report for standard check-ins. Upon arriving, they were unexpectedly taken into custody, leaving many families stunned and distraught.
The unexpected detentions sparked immediate backlash from community members, legal advocates, and elected officials. Alderman Anthony Quezada, Alderman Rossana Rodriguez, and Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez were present and described the protest as a peaceful act of civil disobedience aimed at resisting the separation of immigrant families. Quezada called the actions taken by ICE “evil policies of separation,” urging the community and leaders alike to stand united in rejecting such measures.
A local resident said he had rushed to the scene after learning a family member had been detained. According to him, the relative had complied with all immigration protocols, never missed an appointment, and arrived at the ICE office in good faith, expecting a procedural check-in rather than an arrest. This sentiment was echoed by immigration attorney Cynthia Mazariegos de Fernandez, who expressed frustration at being prevented from assisting her client, despite possessing her valid work permit. The attorney voiced concerns over being separated from her client for the first time during what should have been a standard legal process.
The situation intensified after reports emerged that several elected officials and protestors were physically assaulted by ICE agents. Members of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus stated that at least ten individuals were detained without judicial warrants, despite being engaged in active immigration cases and possessing valid work permits. They further claimed that Alderman Quezada was struck with a baton and repeatedly thrown to the ground by an ICE officer, with similar violence reported against other organizers and bystanders.
In a strongly worded statement, the Latino Caucus condemned what they called “unlawful detainment practices” by ICE, especially against individuals in full compliance with immigration procedures. They highlighted the deceptive nature of the text messages used to lure immigrants to the location and called for an immediate investigation into the events. They also demanded accountability for the violent actions against elected officials and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting immigrant communities in Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also responded with condemnation, criticizing ICE’s aggressive tactics and reaffirming the city’s stance as a sanctuary under the Welcoming City Ordinance and the Illinois Trust Act. The mayor emphasized that all Chicagoans, regardless of status, are entitled to due process under the Constitution and expressed outrage that federal agents would use violence against city officials or residents. Johnson confirmed that the city is reviewing the incident and will release further updates.
Although Chicago police officers were present during the protest, the department clarified that they had not participated in the enforcement operation. The officers responded to a general call for assistance and were unaware of the immigration-related activity until they arrived. A statement from CPD emphasized that officers only intervened to ensure the safety of the crowd and confirmed that no arrests were made by city police, nor did they assist in any immigration actions. They reiterated that all CPD conduct adhered to the city’s policies and municipal codes, including the Welcoming City Ordinance, which restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
The aftermath of the incident has left immigrant communities and advocacy groups alarmed and anxious. Many are questioning whether participation in ICE’s supervised release programs now places individuals at greater risk, undermining trust in a system that purports to offer due process and case management. Calls for transparency and justice are growing louder as Chicago’s immigrant families grapple with the implications of the operation. The City Council’s Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee plans to hold a hearing to explore ICE’s actions and determine whether any local entities were complicit in the events that unfolded. Community leaders continue to demand the immediate release of those detained and a reevaluation of immigration enforcement practices within city limits.
